Electronic drug references: A comparison of usage and preferences between pharmacy and medical students

Abstract

Objective To assess the usage of electronic drug references by medical (MD) and pharmacy (PharmD) students and identify the information fields preferred. Methods An online survey instrument was sent to a sample of MD and PharmD students to obtain usage of and individual preferences in electronic drug references. Results One-hundred-fifty responses were received, yielding an estimated response rate of 10.6%. Both MD (67%) and PharmD (78%) students felt that adequate drug resources were available; however, 70.1% of MD and 66.7% of PharmD students stated that use of electronic drug references would increase if changes were made to better suit personal preferences. PharmD students spent twice as much time per week using electronic drug information resources compared with MD students (4.5 h vs. 2.2 h, p < .05). All queried information fields, such as indications for use and mechanism of action, were rated important or higher by both student groups. Conclusions MD and PharmD students had similar opinions regarding surveyed information fields, but the weekly use rates for PharmD students were significantly higher. Most students felt they had adequate resources available in their professional program. Electronic drug references were shown to be an important educational tool and should balance user needs and preferences with access and quality.